This collection of images was taken during the Spring 2008 and 2009 seasons of
the Rapa Nui Landscapes of Construction project.

Rapa Nui is the local name for Easter Island, one of the
remotest places on earth, measuring just 170 square km. It is best known
for its iconic statues, which were carved and set up 1000 - 1500 AD.
The project aims to treat the construction activities associated with
the statues and other aspects of island architecture as a whole,
involving mapping, surveying, and excavation on an island-wide basis. In
particular, the researchers are investigating the resources, locations,
construction elements and conceptual aspects that link the different
places associated with the statues, from their carving in the quarries
through their transport along roads to their final positioning on
ceremonial platforms near the coast.

A new project website is currently under development. In the meantime, to find out more about the project please contact Sue Hamilton.

Statues at Ahu Tongariki

Ahu Hanga Te Tenga

"Lost" canoe slipway

Rano Raraku statues attached to bedrock

Rano Raraku statue quarry

Statue at Ranu Raraku quarry

Surveying red scoria "statue hat"

Canoe slipway and statue

Statue in transport

Robert Nunn with obsidian adze from the Puna Pau statue quarry excavations